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Donna Eller of Watauga County- 2014 June Athlete of the Month

Donna Eller is 2014 SONC June Athlete of the Month

Living life to the fullest at age 60, Special Olympics Watauga County athlete Donna Eller is one tough gal. She’s been involved with Special Olympics for over 24 years and still going strong! Donna currently competes in track and field, and bocce, and previously competed in basketball.

One of her favorite Special Olympics memories is when she and her husband Joe had a blast playing on a co-ed basketball team in the 1990’s and are proud to say they won the state championship!

Donna is a cancer survivor of 19 years who volunteers her time helping other cancer survivors. She’s an active supporter of Relay for Life, and walks in the annual survivors lap every year. Donna also volunteers with the nonprofit organization Happy Hearts through the Agricultural Extension office.

On top of volunteering, Donna works at Watauga Opportunities and at the Hardee’s in Boone for the past five years! But that’s not all; she’s currently taking classes at Caldwell Community College! When this busy-bee athlete has down time she enjoys doing crossword puzzles and working out at the Wellness Center. Donna is also an active member of her church.

Special Olympics has made a big impact in Donna’s life. “Special Olympics has taught Donna how to get along with people, how to follow rules and regulations, looking up to authority figures, and good sportsmanship” said Diane Brown of Watauga Opportunities. “Donna is always friendly and positive, has been an athlete in Special Olympics for many years, has a job, owns her home, has a husband, and has battled and overcome cancer!”

Congratulations Donna for being 2014 SONC June “Athlete of the Month”! You’re truly an inspiration!

Favorites Ice Cream: Chocolate- she loves chocolate! Restaurant: Hardee’s- because she gets a discount Animal: cat, she has a cat named Millie! TV show: Mr. Ed